In the wake of last December’s rather unsatisfactory deal on the EU budget, it is not surprising that the Erasmus student exchange programme is being eyed up for cuts. This temptation should be resisted.

Latest figures announced two weeks ago (16 March) reveal that the scheme is now more popular than ever. Student participation rose by 6 per cent last year and that of teachers by 13 per cent. This is a practical example of European cooperation that is an astounding success.